U.S. patent application number 12/265478 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for putter-type golf club head.
This patent application is currently assigned to ROGER CLEVELAND GOLF CO., INC.. Invention is credited to Jimmy H. KUAN, Michael D. SANDOVAL, Adam K. SHELDON, Michael J. Wallans.
Application Number | 20090105008 12/265478 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40564013 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090105008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUAN; Jimmy H. ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
PUTTER-TYPE GOLF CLUB HEAD
Abstract
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present
invention may include a body comprising a front surface having an
opening therein for receiving a primary insert. One or more
secondary inserts may be disposed in the primary insert and may
include a leading surface, a trailing surface, and at least one
intermediate surface. The leading surface may be physically exposed
to the elements, the trailing surface may be exposed to the eye,
and the at least one intermediate surface may be physically exposed
to the elements and/or visually exposed.
Inventors: |
KUAN; Jimmy H.; (West
Covina, CA) ; SANDOVAL; Michael D.; (La Palma,
CA) ; SHELDON; Adam K.; (Long Beach, CA) ;
Wallans; Michael J.; (Huntington Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
ROGER CLEVELAND GOLF CO.,
INC.
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
40564013 |
Appl. No.: |
12/265478 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/02 20151001;
A63B 53/0416 20200801; A63B 53/0445 20200801; A63B 53/0487
20130101; A63B 53/04 20130101; A63B 53/0425 20200801; A63B 60/54
20151001; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B
2209/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A putter-type golf club head comprising: a body comprising a
front surface and a rear surface; a through opening extending
between the front surface and the rear surface; and an insert
disposed in the through opening, the insert comprising a physically
exposed anterior surface, an at least partially physically exposed
first posterior surface, and a concealed second posterior
surface.
2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises a non-metallic material.
3. The putter-type golf club head of claim 2, wherein the insert
comprises a polymeric material.
4. The putter-type golf club head of claim 2, wherein the insert
comprises a translucent material.
5 The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises one or more secondary inserts.
6. The putter-type golf club head of claim 5, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts comprise a leading surface and a trailing
surface, the leading surface being physically exposed and the
trailing surface being visually exposed, but not physically
exposed.
7. The putter-type golf club head of claim 5, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts comprise a metallic material.
8. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of weights disposed therein.
9. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 further comprises a
heel opening, a toe opening, and a bridge member disposed
therebetween.
10. A putter-type golf club head comprising: a body comprising a
front surface having an opening disposed therein; and a primary
insert disposed in the opening, the primary insert comprising one
or more secondary inserts having a leading surface that is
physically exposed and a trailing surface that is visually exposed,
but not physically exposed.
11. The putter-type golf club head of claim 10, wherein the primary
insert comprises a non-metallic material.
12. The putter-type golf club head of claim 11, wherein the primary
insert comprises a polymeric material.
13. The putter-type golf club head of claim 10, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts comprise a metallic material.
14. The putter-type golf club head of claim 10, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts have a greater durometer hardness than the
primary insert.
15. The putter-type golf club head of claim 10 further comprising a
plurality of weights disposed therein.
16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 10, wherein the primary
insert comprises a physically exposed anterior surface and a
physically exposed posterior surface.
17. A putter-type golf club head comprising: a body comprising a
front surface having an opening disposed therein; a primary insert
disposed in the opening, the primary insert comprising one or more
secondary inserts including a leading surface, a trailing surface,
and at least one intermediate surface therebetween, the leading
surface having a first surface roughness, the at least one
intermediate surface having a second surface roughness, the first
surface roughness being less than the second surface roughness.
18. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts have a greater durometer hardness than the
primary insert.
19. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the primary
insert and the one or more secondary inserts are co-molded.
20. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the primary
insert comprises a non-metallic material.
21. The putter-type golf club head of claim 20, wherein the primary
insert comprises a polymeric material.
22. The putter-type golf club head of claim 21, wherein the primary
insert comprises a translucent material.
23. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts comprise a metallic material.
24. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the primary
insert further a physically exposed anterior surface and a
physically exposed posterior surface.
25. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the leading
surface is physically exposed and the trailing surface is visually
exposed, but not physically exposed.
26. A putter-type golf club head comprising: a body comprising a
front surface having an opening disposed therein; and a primary
insert disposed in the opening, the primary insert comprising one
or more secondary inserts having a leading surface, a trailing
surface, and at least one intermediate surface therebetween, the
leading surface and a portion of the at least one intermediate
surface being physically exposed.
27. The putter-type golf club head of claim 26, wherein the front
surface and the leading surface are co-planar.
28. The putter-type golf club head of claim 26, wherein the front
surface and the leading surface are not co-planar.
29. The putter-type golf club head of claim 28, wherein the leading
surface is disposed behind the front surface.
30. The putter-type golf club head of claim 28, wherein the leading
surface is disposed forward of the front surface.
31. The putter-type golf club head of claim 26, wherein the primary
insert comprises a non-metallic material.
32. The putter-type golf club head of claim 31, wherein the primary
insert comprises a translucent material.
33. The putter-type golf club head of claim 32, wherein the primary
insert comprises a polymeric material.
34. The putter-type golf club head of claim 26, wherein the one or
more secondary inserts comprise a metallic material.
35. A golf club head comprising: a body comprising a front surface
having an opening disposed therein; and a primary insert disposed
in the opening, the primary insert comprising one or more secondary
inserts having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and at least one
intermediate surface, the leading edge being physically exposed and
at least a portion of at least one intermediate surface being
visually exposed, but not physically exposed.
36. The golf club head of claim 35, wherein the primary insert
comprises a non-metallic material.
37. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the primary insert
comprises a polymeric material.
38. The golf club head of claim 35, wherein the one or more
secondary inserts comprise a metallic material.
39. The golf club head of claim 35, wherein the trailing surface is
visually exposed, but not physically exposed.
Description
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0001] The disclosure below may be subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction
by anyone of the documents containing this disclosure, as they
appear in the Patent and Trademark Office records, but otherwise
reserves all applicable copyrights.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An important performance component of a putter-type golf
club is its dynamic-excitation response, i.e., the sensation or
"feel", that the golf club delivers to the player at ball impact.
Putter-type golf club heads typically include rigid metallic
striking faces, often associated with harsh feel on off-center
shots. To diminish unwanted vibration, elastic inserts may be used
in the putter face. However, such inserts often provide
insufficient tactile and acoustic feedback, imparting the putter
with a "dead" feel that prevents the player from distinguishing a
well-struck shot from a mediocre one.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention, in one or more aspects thereof, may
advantageously comprise a putter-type golf club head having
improved forgiveness on mishit shots as well as enhanced tactile
and acoustic feedback.
[0004] In one example, a putter-type golf club head according to
one or more aspects of the present invention may comprise a body
having a front surface, a rear surface, and a through opening
therebetween. An insert may be at least partially disposed in the
through opening and may include an anterior surface, a first
posterior surface, and a second posterior surface. The anterior
surface and the first posterior surface may be physically exposed
to the elements, while the second posterior surface may be at least
partially concealed from the elements.
[0005] In another example, a putter-type golf club head according
to one or more aspects of the present invention may comprise a body
having a front surface with an opening therein. A primary insert
may be at least partially disposed in the opening and may include
one or more secondary inserts having a leading surface that is
physically exposed to the elements and a trailing surface that is
visually exposed to the eye, but not physically exposed to the
elements.
[0006] In yet another example, a putter-type golf club head
according to one or more aspects of the present invention may
comprise a body having a front surface with an opening therein. A
primary insert may be at least partially disposed in the opening
and may include one or more secondary inserts having a leading
surface, a trailing surface, and at least one intermediate surface
therebetween. Preferably, the surface roughness of the leading
surface is less than the surface roughness of the at least one
intermediate surface.
[0007] In yet another example, a putter-type golf club head
according to one or more aspects of the present invention may
comprise a body having a front surface with an opening therein. A
primary insert may be at least partially disposed in the opening
and may include a leading surface that is physically exposed to the
elements and an intermediate surface that is partially physically
exposed to the elements.
[0008] In yet another example, a putter-type golf club head
according to one or more aspects of the present invention may
comprise a body having a front surface with an opening therein. A
primary insert may be at least partially disposed in the opening
and may include one or more secondary inserts having a leading
surface that is physically exposed to the elements and at least one
intermediate surface that is visually exposed to the eye, but not
physically exposed to the elements.
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the golf club
head according to the invention in its various aspects, as
demonstrated by one or more of the various examples, will become
apparent after consideration of the ensuing description, the
accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. The drawings
described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Exemplary implementations of the present invention will now
be described with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary golf club head in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of an exemplary insert in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines
VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail IX of
FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of a
golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of a
golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of a
golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 9D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of a
golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of an exemplary golf
club head according to one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 10A.
[0026] FIG. 10C is a front perspective view of an exemplary insert
according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an exemplary insert
according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a putter-type golf club head
100, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may
generally comprise a body 104 formed from metallic and/or
non-metallic materials, e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, titanium,
composites, and/or polymeric materials. The body 104 may include a
front surface 118, a rear surface 120, a toe portion 108, a heel
portion 106, a sole surface 110, as well as a top surface 112
having a shaft-receiving opening 116 and an alignment feature 124.
The body 104 may include a peripheral element 114. A bridge member
122, extending between the rear surface 120 and the peripheral
element 114, may form at least a portion of the sole surface 110
and/or the top surface 112. A toe opening 126 may be delimited by
the rear surface 120, the bridge member 122, the toe portion 108,
and the peripheral element 114. A heel opening 128 may be delimited
by the rear surface 120, the bridge member 122, the heel portion
106, and the peripheral element 114. A through aperture 123 (FIG.
3) may traverse the bridge member 122, connecting the toe opening
126 and the heel opening 128, to improve the inertial
characteristics of the club head 100.
[0029] Referring to, e.g., FIG. 4, the peripheral element 114 may
include one or more weight ports, e.g., weight ports 130a and 130b,
for receiving weights, e.g., weights 132a and 132b. The weights may
be permanently fixed within their respective weight ports.
Alternatively, the weights may be removable and may comprise an
interchangeable set including weights having different mass. For
example, mass of the weight elements within the set may range from
about 1 gram to about 50 grams. Typically, the weight set may
include at least three elements weighing, e.g., 5 grams, 10 grams,
and 15 grams, respectively. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the weight set may comprise any number of elements
within a broad mass range. Preferably, each weight comprises a
metallic material, e.g., tungsten, having a greater density than
the rest of the club head 100. The weights may be strategically
positioned in the club head 100 to further improve the inertial
properties of the club head.
[0030] As shown, e.g., in FIGS. 3-5, the front surface 118 may have
an opening 150 for receiving a primary insert 134. The opening 150
may be a blind cavity, or alternatively, may be a through bore that
penetrates the rear surface 120 to form a rear window 151, as
illustrated in FIG. 4. A flange 148 (FIG. 5) may surround the rear
window to support the primary insert 134. Referring to FIGS. 5 and
6, the primary insert 134 may include an anterior surface 136, a
first posterior surface 138a, and a second posterior surface 138b.
Preferably, the anterior surface 136 of the primary insert 134 is
flush with the front surface 118 and is at least partially
physically exposed to the elements. At least a part of the second
posterior surface 138b may be flush with the rear surface 120 and
may be at least partially physically exposed to the elements via
the rear window 151. Indicia, e.g., such as a logo, may be printed
directly on the second posterior surface 138b. Alternatively, the
second posterior surface 138b may be embossed with such indicia.
The first posterior surface 138a may be located proximate the
support surface 148 and is at least in part concealed from the
elements.
[0031] The primary insert 134, according to one or more aspects of
the present invention, may be made from materials having a Shore
hardness between about 55 D to about 115 D, or preferably between
about 65 D to about 100 D, to deliver beneficial damping
characteristics. Examples of materials suitable for fabricating the
primary insert 134 may include polyurethane, silicone, Nylon,
polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR),
thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and natural rubber. The primary
insert 134 may be bonded to the head 100 using, e.g., an epoxy-type
adhesive.
[0032] Referring, e.g., to FIG. 5, the primary insert 134 may
further include one or more secondary inserts 140. Preferably, the
secondary inserts 140 are formed from a material having a greater
durometer hardness than the primary insert 134. The dual insert
combination, according to one or more aspects of the present
invention, provides improved compliance on mishits, while
delivering confidence-inspiring solid feel on well-struck shots.
Examples of suitable materials for fabricating the secondary
inserts 140 may include ABS, polycarbonate, titanium, aluminum, and
stainless steel. Cavities 152 within the primary insert 134 are
provided to receive the secondary inserts 140, which may be
co-molded with the primary insert or, alternatively, secured within
the cavities 152 by, e.g., adhesive bonding and/or mechanical
interlocking.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 5, each secondary insert 140 may
comprise a leading surface 142, a trailing surface 146, and
intermediate surfaces 144. Preferably, the surface roughness of the
intermediate surfaces 144 is greater than the surface roughness of
the leading surface 142 to improve retention of the secondary
inserts 140 within the primary insert 134. As shown in FIGS. 8-9,
the leading surfaces 142 of the secondary inserts 140 may be flush
with the anterior surface 136 of the primary insert 134, such that
the leading surfaces 142 are physically exposed to the
elements.
[0034] In another example, shown in FIG. 9A, a primary insert 134A,
having an anterior surface 136A, may include one or more secondary
inserts 140A having a leading surface 142A and intermediate
surfaces 144A disposed partially forward of the anterior surface
136A. Thus, the leading surface 142A and portions of the
intermediate surfaces 144A are physically exposed to the elements.
Alternatively, a primary insert 134B (FIG. 9B), having an anterior
surface 136B, may include one or more secondary inserts 140B having
a leading surface 142B, disposed behind the anterior surface 136B.
Thus, only the leading surfaces 142B of the secondary inserts are
physically exposed to the elements.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 9C, a primary insert 134C, having an
anterior surface 136C, may include one or more secondary inserts
140C having a leading surface 142C and intermediate surfaces 144C.
Reveals 158C may surround portions of the secondary inserts 140C
and may include continuous arcuate surfaces 160C. The reveals 158C
physically expose the intermediate surfaces 144C to the elements.
Alternatively, a primary insert 134D (FIG. 9D), having an anterior
surface 136D, may include one or more reveals 158D having finite
arcuate surfaces 160D proximate one or more secondary inserts 140D
including a leading surface 142D and intermediate surfaces 144D.
Thus, each reveal 158D physically exposes the corresponding
intermediate surface 144D to the elements.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, a golf club head 200, according
to one or more aspects of the present invention, may include a
front surface 218, a rear surface 220, a toe portion 208, a heel
portion 206, a sole surface 210, and a top surface 212. The front
surface 218 may have an opening 250 disposed therein for receiving
a primary insert 234, having an anterior surface 236 and a
posterior surface 238. The opening 250 may be a blind cavity, or
alternatively, may be a through bore that penetrates the rear
surface 220 to form a rear window 251. Preferably, the primary
insert 234 is formed from a transparent or translucent material,
e.g., a clear or opaque plastic or polymer, with or without pigment
or colorant. One or more secondary inserts 240 may be disposed in
the primary insert 234 and may include a leading surface 242, a
trailing surface 246, and intermediate surfaces 244
therebetween.
[0037] The leading surfaces 242 of the secondary inserts 240 may be
flush with the anterior surface 236 and may be physically exposed
to the elements. Since the primary insert 234 is transparent or
translucent, at least a portion of at least one intermediate
surface 244 may be exposed to the eye via the anterior surface 236.
In other words, the visually exposed intermediate surfaces 244 are
visually perceivable through the anterior surface 236, but are not
physically exposed to the elements. Moreover, the trailing surfaces
246 and at least a portion of at least one intermediate surface 244
may be visually exposed via the rear window 251. The visual cues
provided by the transparent insert may reinforce the advertised
performance benefits of the present invention according to the
various aspects thereof, e.g., improved compliance on mishits and
solid feel on well struck shots, thus increasing the likelihood of
a consumer purchase.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 11, a primary insert 334, in accordance
with one or more aspects of the invention, may include a secondary
insert 340 having a plurality of discrete horizontal elements 376,
interconnected via one or more coupling members 356. Each
horizontal element 376 may include a leading surface 342, a
trailing surface 346, and intermediate surfaces 344. In other
examples, alternative shapes, sizes, and orientations may be
utilized for the coupling member 356 and horizontal elements
376.
[0039] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary aspects thereof. It
will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *